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Nepal, aptly, has been called 'a Trekker's Paradise'. It’s outstanding mountains, scenic hills and the luxuriant Terai offers some of the most spectacular trekking routes in the world. Passing through the diverse culture and nature, trekking in Nepal is a life-time experience which involves a certain degree of physical risks owing to the rugged topography. With the distinction of Nepal as a trekking destination and its growing charm, a provision of Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) has been implemented to control illegal trekking operations and ensure safety and security of the trekkers in general trekking areas through the mechanism of Prompt Information Service as and when required.
The past experiences have shown that difficulties have been faced while carrying out rescue operations promptly during the times of accidents and natural calamities. Because of lack of proper record system of trekkers, their exact whereabouts and the information about trekking routes, rescue and search missions used to face difficulties in spotting the trekkers missing.
The provision of Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) has come into force from Jan 01, 2008. Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) have started recording trekkers detail and issuing TIMS Card to trekkers.

where & How to Obtain Card?
The visiting tourists, who are interested to general trekking areas of Nepal, are required to receive TIMS Card through any one of the following:
* Kathmandu (NTB Office, TAAN Office, and Government registered trekking Companies), and
* Pokhara (NTB Office, TAAN Office, and Government registered trekking Companies)
* Opening Hour/s: TIMS counter at Government registered trekking Companies will remain open 12 hours a day all the seven days a week round the year,
* TIMS counter at TAAN/NTB Office will follow government working hour/days.
* To obtain TIMS Card you need copy of Passport and two copies of Passport-size Photographs.

Why is TIMS Necessary?
The following considerations have been taken into account in the process of issuing TIMS:
* All important details of trekkers and trekking routes shall be maintained on a computerized Database Management System that may be useful for safety and security of trekkers. To help carry out search and rescue operations for trekkers in case of natural calamities and other accidents by means of Authentic Information Service . To maintain a record system that includes personal details of trekkers, trekking area, trekking routes, handling agencies, duration, etc. The data generated from the system will be useful to all stakeholders:- tourism organizations, Government agencies, diplomatic missions, tour operators, research institute, etc.

Unauthorized trekking operations will be controlled, thus, resulting into better management of trekking service and in benefit of all concerned :- trekkers, agencies, field staff, Government, etc. and also occasional untoward incidents will be better prevented.
* To upgrade the service standard and contribute for better management of sustainable mountain tourism development of Nepal.

New Provision in TIMS 14/03/2010
The cabinet meeting held recently has changed some provisions related to Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS). The new changes will come into effect from March 15

As per the new provision, trekkers are required to take TIMS Card from Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) before starting their trek. Trekkers travelling in groups can get the TIMS card upon paying $10 each while those preferring to travel individually need to pay $20.

However, trekkers and mountaineers with climbing permits from Tourism Industry Division under Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and Nepal Mountaineering Association aren't required to get the TIMS Card. Similarly, trekkers with permits from Immigration Department to controlled areas like Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, Manasulu and others also are not required to get the TIMS Card. Likewise, members of diplomatic missions are not requires to get TIMS Card.

TIMS will not be required for following points

TIMS Card Will Not Required For Following Points
* Expedition members having climbing permit issued by Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA)

* Visitors in the controlled areas within permits issued by the Department of Immigration

* Foreign guests invited by the government of Nepal

* Authorities from the various diplomatic missions present in the country, who is holding official letters/s and travel at their own risk

* Visitors on creation mission recommended by the concerned Government departments

* Foreign Nationals processing a residential visa